The Laguna Rajucolta trip is a full day from Huaraz to a lake at 4,280 m (14,040 ft), according to CENEPRED, Peru's disaster risk agency. The lake is fed by meltwater from Huantsán peak, 6,369 m high. We leave at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, drive south to the village of Macashca and continue into the Rajucolta valley, at about 4,200 m. According to our program, the walk is short, about 1 hour, and the total driving time is about 4 hours round trip.
- Duration
- Full day
- Hike
- 1 h
- Max. altitude
- 4,280 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Departs from
- Huaraz, 7:00 a.m. (private bus)
- Price
- Ask for price
Fees and season
Rajucolta is not among the tourist routes SERNANP lists for Huascarán National Park. If there is a ticket or a community fee on the route, we will tell you when you book.
In the Cordillera Blanca, the dry season runs from May to September or October, and the rainy season from October to April (SERNANP). When it rains, the valley can get muddy and clouds may hide Huantsán.
Highlights
- A glacial lake at 4,280 m, at the head of the Pariac river basin (CENEPRED).
- Huantsán (6,369 m, IGM maps) rising above the lake.
- Little hiking: about 1 hour on foot according to our program; the rest of the day is on a private bus.
- A gentle acclimatization day before Laguna 69: you reach 4,280 m, lower than Laguna 69's 4,600 m.
Itinerary
- 7:00 a.m.Departure from Huaraz by private bus
We drive south through the Callejón de Huaylas to Macashca, about an hour from Huaraz.
- MorningRajucolta valley
From Macashca we continue into the Rajucolta valley, at about 4,200 m, with Huantsán ahead.
- MorningWalk to the lake
A short walk of about 1 hour, according to our program, at an easy pace.
- MiddayLaguna Rajucolta
We reach the lake, at 4,280 m, below Huantsán. Time to rest, eat your packed lunch and take photos.
- AfternoonBack to Huaraz
We return down the valley to Macashca and take the bus back to Huaraz. End of the service.
Departure at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, according to our program. Other times are approximate.
What's included and not included
What's included
- Private bus Huaraz – Macashca – Rajucolta valley – Huaraz
- Guide during the walk
Not included
- Tickets or fees on the route, if any: we tell you when you book
- Meals: bring breakfast, a packed lunch and snacks
What to bring
- Layers: thermal base layer, fleece and a waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, gloves and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- About 1.5 liters of water
- Packed lunch and snacks (nuts, chocolate)
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Passport or ID
More information
What the route is like
We leave at 7:00 a.m. and drive south through the Callejón de Huaylas to Macashca, about an hour from Huaraz, then into the Rajucolta valley, at about 4,200 m. According to our program, it is about 2 hours on the bus round trip to Macashca and about 4 hours of driving in total, including the valley road. Then a short walk of about 1 hour takes you to the lake, below Huantsán.
Above 4,200 m it is cold even in the sun: bring warm layers, water and something to eat.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lake altitude | 4,280 m | CENEPRED (2016) |
| Origin | meltwater from Huantsán | CENEPRED |
| River | head of the Pariac river sub-basin | CENEPRED |
| Huantsán peak | 6,369 m | IGM maps |
| Rajucolta valley | about 4,200 m | our program |
| Bus | about 2 h round trip to Macashca; about 4 h of driving in total | our program |
| Walk | about 1 h | our program |
Who this trip is for
It suits travelers who want to see a 6,300-meter peak up close without a long hike. Since you go above 4,200 m, do it after one or two nights in Huaraz. If you want more time on foot, Laguna Churup is a real hike; read our Huaraz acclimatization guide first.
Even with little walking, you will feel the altitude. Go at your own pace, drink water and tell the guide if you have a strong headache, dizziness or shortness of breath: the right move is to go down.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Laguna Rajucolta?
4,280 m (14,040 ft), according to a 2016 technical report by CENEPRED, Peru's disaster risk agency. Some websites give other figures; we use the official source.
How much hiking is there?
Not much: according to our program, a short walk of about 1 hour. Most of the day is on a private bus: about 4 hours of driving round trip.
What time does it leave, and which way does it go?
We leave Huaraz at 7:00 a.m. by private bus, drive south to Macashca and continue into the Rajucolta valley, at about 4,200 m. From there you walk to the lake.
Which peak can you see from the lake?
Huantsán, 6,369 m (20,900 ft) according to Peru's military mapping institute (IGM). The lake is fed by its meltwater (CENEPRED).
Is Rajucolta a good acclimatization trip before Laguna 69?
Yes: you reach 4,280 m with little walking, lower than Laguna 69. Do it after one or two nights in Huaraz; if you want a real hike before Laguna 69, add Laguna Churup.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from May to September or October, when skies are usually clear. From October to April it rains more and the trail can be muddy.
